New York fines, arrests, unlicensed home contractors

NEW YORK -- An enforcement blitz by New York consumer affairs inspectors has resulted in summonses issued to more than 500 unlicensed home contractors and the arrests of 17 individuals on criminal charges.

Officials on Tuesday say more than 1,500 inspections were conducted over ten weeks in New York City, Westchester, and Nassau County on Long Island. Inspectors also seized 175 vehicles from contractors.

Officials say the summonses carry fines ranging from $1,000 per offense to a $24,800 fine issued to a contractor described as a repeat offender.

The criminal charges include felony grand larceny for taking money from homeowners for improvements not finished or even started.

New York consumers can call 3-1-1 to check if a contractor is licensed.